Unveiling The Truth: Is The North Dakota Capitol Building A Skyscraper?

The North Dakota Capitol Building is like our very own skyscraper. I've even heard it referred to as "The Skyscraper of the Prairie." After all, it is the tallest building in the state.

What if I told you that, technically, we can't call it that?

The North Dakota Capitol Grounds

The Capitol grounds is approximately 160-acres, and the building itself, stands at 242 feet tall, and has 21 floors. --This is not small by any means, but in the world/classification of "Skyscrapers" the North Dakota Capitol Building doesn't make the cut.

Perspective

If you've ever seen a skyscraper, you know, that calling the Capitol Building that is cute, but might be more than a little generous.

I mean, just think about it; if you put the North Dakota Capitol Building side-by-side next to the Willis (Sears) Tower in Chicago it will look like a pool noodle.

By the way, the Willis tower stands at 1,451 feet (1,729' to tip).

Why the North Dakota Capitol Building Can't Be Called A 'Skyscraper'

You might be surprised to learn that there are certain requirements a building must meet to qualify as a "Skyscraper."

In order for a building to have that classification, it must be a certain height, and while North Dakota's Capitol Building is just shy of 300 feet, it still misses the mark.

Organizations all over Europe and in the U.S. define skyscrapers as buildings that are 490 feet or higher.

We're not extremely far away from the 'skyscraper' classification, but we definitely have some growing to do before getting that title.

That said, North Dakotans don't really need flashy buildings that touch the clouds. We have a whole aesthetic here we try to protect.